Abbatija tad-Dejr fresco

In his column of May 1, "Roamer" wrote at length on Malta's artistic heritage and on academic efforts to enhance our knowledge of the priceless works of art in our nation's guardianship. He also gave an interesting digression on one particular artwork displayed in the National Museum of Fine Arts, the fresco of The Crucifixion and the Annunciation, formerly in the apse of the chapel of the Abbatija tad-Dejr.

The Abbatija tad-Dejr site on the outskirts of Rabat has, throughout the years since it was acquired by Government in 1926, presented a complex challenge to the authorities entrusted with its preservation. Recent studies provide a thorough appraisal of the site's multi-layered history, relating it to its natural and man-made environment.

This research gives much useful information on the mural painting, including the context of the 1987 decision to remove it for display in the Valletta Museum. More information is also available at the National Museum of Fine Arts to anybody wishing to research this unique work of art, especially to students of art history.

Such research would reveal that the missing parts that "Roamer" refers to, were already missing in the early 20th century, probably much earlier. Photographs from the 1930s show that the painting in situ was far from being in the 'excellent condition' that "Roamer" claims it was in. The 'mutilation' that "Roamer" sees in the painting today is largely the result of centuries of the poor environmental condition in which it somehow managed to survive, combined with the more recent stresses caused by vibrations from traffic and building works in the vicinity of the site, not to mention vandalism through the ages.

In the 17 years since the painting has been accessible to visitors in the museum it has remained in a relatively stable condition. Heritage Malta has in recent months embarked on a monitoring exercise on the artworks on display inside the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Tad-Dejr painting will certainly benefit from the professional attention it is now receiving.